Broad Surgical Expertise
At Midtown Oral & Facial Surgery, we treat a wide variety of common and complex dental issues. No matter what you’re experiencing, we have the expertise to get you back to a happy, healthy, beautiful smile. As board-certified oral surgeons, we have extensive, advanced training to provide care for dental and facial conditions. Rely on us for problems ranging from infected wisdom teeth that have to come out to replacement of missing teeth in Hattiesburg, MS.
Wisdom Teeth
Commonly known as “wisdom teeth,” third molars typically emerge during the late teenage years or early 20s and can potentially cause various oral health problems. Their location in the very back of the mouth makes them hard to clean and, therefore, more prone to decay, infection, gum disease, pain, and even the development of cysts or tumors in the surrounding tissues! They can also throw neighboring healthy teeth out of alignment.
Oftentimes, wisdom teeth are located near nerves, sinus cavities, and other teeth, so you must have a skilled expert remove the teeth if they become impacted. As board-certified oral surgeons, we’re exceptionally qualified to remove your wisdom teeth while maintaining comfort and safety.
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are performed for various reasons, most commonly to remove severely damaged, decayed, or impacted teeth that cannot be restored or pose a risk to overall oral health. We may recommend extractions to alleviate pain, prevent infection, create space for orthodontic treatment, or address issues with wisdom teeth. The process typically involves numbing the area to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Considerations like IV sedation can be utilized in more complex cases or for individuals with dental anxiety. After the extraction, patients may experience discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with prescribed pain relievers and ice packs. Following post-extraction care instructions carefully is crucial to promote proper healing and minimize complications, ensuring a smooth transition to improved oral health.
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery, or jaw surgery, is a specialized dental procedure designed to correct severe jaw and facial structure misalignments. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals who face significant overbites, underbites, open bites, or congenital jaw abnormalities that cannot be effectively resolved through orthodontic treatments alone.
The procedure involves repositioning the upper and lower jaws to improve functionality and aesthetics. While the surgery is considered major and requires some downtime for recovery, it can lead to life-changing improvements in a patient's bite, facial symmetry, and overall quality of life.
Bone grafting
Bone grafting is a vital surgical technique at Midtown Oral and Facial Surgery. It is employed to repair and regenerate bone in areas where it has been damaged, lost, or deficient. This procedure is commonly used in dental implants, where there may not be enough healthy bone to support the implant securely. During a bone grafting procedure, our oral surgeons transplant bone from another part of the patient's body, a donor, or a synthetic source to the affected area, encouraging the growth of new, healthy bone tissue.
Over time, the grafted bone integrates with the patient's natural bone, creating a stable foundation for dental implants or addressing other bone-related issues. Bone grafting is crucial in enhancing oral health, enabling patients to receive necessary dental treatments, and improving both function and aesthetics in cases of bone loss or deformities.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repetitive interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing, known as apneas, can last for a few seconds to minutes and occur multiple times throughout the night. There are two primary types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), caused by a physical blockage in the airway, and central sleep apnea (CSA), linked to the brain's failure to signal the muscles to breathe. Sleep apnea not only disrupts a person's sleep cycle, leading to daytime fatigue and drowsiness, but it can also have serious health consequences.
OSA is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, while CSA can result from underlying medical conditions such as heart failure. Effective management and treatment options, including lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, or surgery, are available to help individuals with sleep apnea improve their sleep quality and overall well-being.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly known as TMJ, is a condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. This disorder can cause various symptoms, including jaw pain, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, clicking, or popping sounds in the jaw, headaches, and facial pain. TMJ disorder may result from various factors, including jaw misalignment, teeth grinding, stress, or injury. It can significantly impact a person's daily life, making eating, speaking, or even yawning comfortably challenging.
Fortunately, there are treatments available to alleviate TMJ symptoms. These can range from lifestyle changes, like stress management and jaw exercises, to dental devices, such as mouthguards or splints, to correct misalignments. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan with our oral surgeons can help individuals manage TMJ disorder and improve their quality of life.
Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRP)
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRP) is a cutting-edge regenerative technique gaining prominence in the field of dentistry. PRP is derived from a small sample of the patient's own blood, which is processed to concentrate platelets and growth factors. PRP promotes tissue healing and regeneration when applied to dental procedures like extractions, implant placement, or periodontal surgeries.
It accelerates the body's natural repair mechanisms, reducing inflammation, pain, and the risk of infection. PRP has become particularly valuable in improving the success rates of dental implants and enhancing post-operative healing for patients. This minimally invasive approach harnesses the body's healing potential, making it a promising and increasingly adopted method in modern dentistry for better patient outcomes.
Emergency & Trauma
Emergency and trauma situations refer to cases where patients experience sudden and severe dental injuries or complications that require immediate attention. These include traumatic injuries from accidents or falls, severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, abscesses, other acute dental problems, and facial traumas. Swift and appropriate care are essential to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and ensure the best patient oral health outcome. Our oral surgeons can handle such cases with expertise and urgency, providing immediate relief and addressing the underlying issues. Timely intervention in dental emergencies and trauma can significantly preserve a patient's oral function and overall well-being.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is a valuable tool in modern dentistry, particularly for treating patients who experience high levels of anxiety or fear during dental procedures. Administered through an intravenous line, this form of sedation induces a deep relaxation, often described as a dream-like state, while allowing the patient to remain awake and responsive.
It alleviates anxiety and minimizes discomfort and stress, making it possible for even the most apprehensive patients to undergo necessary dental treatments. IV sedation is highly customizable, with the level of sedation being adjustable to suit each patient's specific needs. This ensures a more comfortable and stress-free experience, promoting better oral health outcomes and encouraging individuals to seek essential dental care they might otherwise avoid due to anxiety.
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